Notre Dame’s Thomas to test NBA draft

SOUTH BEND, IND.  Chris Thomas, who helped Notre Dame reach the NCAA Tournament's round of 16 for the first time since 1987, is submitting his name for the NBA draft.

The 6-foot-1 point guard said Tuesday he would not sign with an agent and would keep open his option of returning for his junior season. He said if he was not confident he would be a top-20 pick, he would stay in school.

"My mind is set on being a top 20 player, and I feel in my heart I am," he said. "If I'm not, then coach will be honest with me, and I will be honest to myself and come back next year."

Irish coach Mike Brey said it was too early to predict where Thomas might be drafted because other underclassmen might make themselves eligible. He said the draft order and foreign players could affect where Thomas might be picked.

Thomas was the Big East rookie of the year in 2001 and a second-team All-Big East selection this year. He was second for the Irish in scoring (18.7 points) and led the Big East in assists (6.9).